Keep the Kids Busy This Holiday Break

Christmas is right around the corner, with kids and adults alike excited for the holiday season. The stockings are hung, the halls are decked, and the kids will soon be out of school for the winter break. While it’s certainly nice to spend extra time together as a family, once the novelty wears off, the boredom is sure to set in.

 Two weeks with no school, no homework, and no obligations is every kid’s dream, but for many parents, keeping them busy with no routine can be a challenge. Day after day of unstructured time can leave many kids restless, or worse, addicted to their screens.

 Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Sacramento with kids during the winter. For starters, you can take them on a drive to see the best holiday light displays in the Sacramento area. Or, you can take them to see a Sacramento Kings game or take a day trip to the snow for sledding or tubing.

 Other activities in the area that will keep the kids busy over the holidays include museums, outdoor attractions, play spaces and movies. Following are the top things to do with kids this winter in Sacramento, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Davis, and beyond

Visit a Museum

No matter what your kids are into, there’s sure to be a museum in Sacramento they’ll love. Train fanatic? The California State Railroad Museum has locomotives on display, plus they offer rides. Car lover? The California Automobile Museum has displays of vintage cars and modern roadsters. Prefer planes? The Aerospace Museum of California showcases aircraft from throughout the decades. Plus, Snoopy and the Red Baron will be onsite through December.

Other great museums to explore in the region are the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, which features hands-on exhibits focusing on STEM. In Roseville, the Maidu Museum and Historic Site depicts the history of the native peoples in the region.

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Learn About Animals

Have an animal lover in your family? Luckily, the greater Sacramento region has attractions that they will love. For starters, the Sacramento Zoo has animals from across the globe, from giraffes and rhinos to kangaroos and lemurs. The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary also has animals on display, but here, they are rescued and rehabilitated animals that can’t return to the wild, including bears and bobcats. The zoo hosts Wild Nights and Holiday Lights, with illuminated displays and live music, through Dec. 22. Another great place to take the kids is the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, where they can learn about the animals native to the Sacramento region. 

Take a Train Ride

Another fun holiday activity is to take an excursion train ride. The River Fox Train in West Sacramento has a Christmas-themed ride through Dec. 28 and scenic rides on weekends in January. Or, you can get closer to nature on a one-of-a-kind railbike with views of the river.

Get the Wiggles Out

Sometimes being cooped up too long means kids get a buildup of energy that needs releasing. To get the wiggles out, head outdoors and do something active. The classic option is a visit to Fairytale Town, where they can run, jump and play on the fairytale-themed attractions. For older kids, Quarry Park Adventures in Rocklin makes for a great family outing. They have rock climbing, zip lining, and an obstacle course.

 Another fun activity for kids is ice skating. The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, located at 7th & K streets, is open through Jan. 19. If you’re in the Roseville area, Skatetown Ice Arena is a good bet, with daily skate sessions and themed events such as an Ugly Sweater Skate Party on Dec. 19 and a Christmas Eve Pajama Party on Dec. 24.

 Another active adventure is a visit to Marshal Gold Discovery Park in Coloma. Not only can you learn about the history of gold mining in the region, you can also wander the many hiking trails, explore the old buildings, and head to the river’s edge to take in some beautiful views.

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Make Some Art

For artsy kids, there are lots of options in the Sacramento region. The Crocker Art Museum is known for its renowned collection of California art, but it also has programs geared toward children, such as gallery adventures for babies and toddlers. They also have hands-on art workshops where kids can explore with clay and other mediums. Kids can also explore their artistic side at the Sacramento Children’s Museum, which has an entire room dedicated to making art. They also have spaces for building, exploring, and dress-up.

Catch a Movie

The holiday movie season is in full swing, with big-name films hitting the screens in the coming weeks. Many theaters offer special programs for families this time of year. Cinemark, which has locations in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, and Roseville, offers discounted tickets on Tuesdays. Regal Cinemas, with locations in Natomas, Elk Grove, El Dorado Hills, and Davis, will screen classic holiday films like Elf and The Polar Express. They also offer discounted tickets on Tuesdays.

 Or, consider taking the kids to a unique movie venue this holiday season. A trip to the drive-ins is a unique experience, and Sacramento is home to one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in the state. In Rocklin, Studio Movie Grill offers the latest films alongside full-service dining.

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Keep the Kids Busy This Holiday Season

While the holidays bring excitement and cheer, they can also bring stress — especially with a house full of bored kids home from school. Instead of pulling your hair out, consider slowing down and embracing the opportunity to spend quality family time together. Whether you’re interested in museums or movies, animals or outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do with kids this holiday season in the greater Sacramento area.